Abstract: A keyboard device is disclosed. The keyboard device includes a base, a key top, a film actuator, a position sensor, and a controller. The key top is movably arranged on the upper surface side of the base. Disposed between the base and the key top, the film actuator bends according to an applied voltage. Also disposed between the base and the key top, the position sensor detects a position of the key top. The controller applies a voltage to the film actuator in order to generate a repulsive force corresponding to the position of the key top detected by the position sensor.

Abstract: Pointing devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve manipulation of a cursor or other user interface component based on inputs from a user. In one embodiment, an image sensor captures an image of the underside of a transparent contact surface and determines whether an object (e.g., a user's finger) is present in the image. Cursor movement information comprising direction and velocity components can be calculated from a single image by equating the size of a detected object with a desired velocity and by equating the position of the detected object relative to a fixed reference point with a desired direction. Thus, detection of user motion is not required, nor is comparison of successive image frames relative to a time reference. As a result, a device having few or no moving parts can be provided while at the same time permitting continuous cursor motion without repetitive swiping by a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for switching from a regular desktop screen to a password input screen for a user to input a password. An apparatus may comprise a first screen display as the password input screen, a second screen display as the regular desktop screen, and a switching system. The switching system may be configured to switch a screen item position between the first screen display and the second screen display. The switching system may receive a user selection of a sequence of screen items as a password input and may switch operation of the apparatus between the first screen display to the second screen display.

Abstract: A computer system, a display system, a method of graphic illumination is provided to give a user an improved appearance, functionality, and aesthetics. A display system may comprise a housing, a light source, and a plurality of micro perforations. The housing may have an interior surface and an exterior surface. The light source may be located within the housing. The plurality of micro perforations may be disposed to extend from the interior surface to the exterior surface of the housing. The plurality of micro perforations may pass through the housing at different angles with respect to a plane of the exterior surface of the housing.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for electronic pointing device acceleration. In general, the devices and methods can facilitate adjustment of a speed of a cursor's movement on a display screen. In one embodiment, an electronic device can include a pointing device configured to control movement of a cursor on the electronic device's display screen. A user's input to the pointing device can indicate a desired distance and directional movement of the cursor on the screen. The electronic device can also include an accelerator element configured to control a speed of the cursor's movement on the screen. A user's input to the accelerator element can indicate a desired increase in the cursor's speed and cause the cursor to move more quickly on the screen. The electronic device can include the pointing device and the accelerator element at locations compatible with typical typing positions of a user's hands.

Abstract: A pointing device for a portable computer is disclosed. The pointing device includes an operation cover for covering a first and second pressure sensors. The pointing device also includes one front operation surface and two rear pressure faces. Detection axes are arranged in a vertical direction, and the pressure faces are so inclined that normal lines will approach each other above the operation surface. The operation surface is applied with depression pressure P1 including a horizontal component Ph and a vertical component Pv. Even when any position on the operation surface is pressed down, pressure P2a detected by the first pressure sensor becomes greater than pressure P3a detected by the second pressure sensor.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method, including: displaying, on a touch sensitive display, a data structure composed of a plurality of keys in a keyboard window; determining, using a processor, at least one key to display in the keyboard window; receiving, at an input device, user input; changing, based on user input, the keys to be displayed in the keyboard window; and selecting a key based on user input, using the touch sensitive display screen, from the keys displayed in the keyboard window. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system can include a keyboard housing that includes a keyboard and a positionable keyboard bezel, a display housing that includes a display, a hinge that pivotably connects the keyboard housing and the display housing for orienting the display housing with respect to the keyboard housing, and a positioning mechanism that positions the keyboard bezel in a first state with respect to the keyboard for a first orientation of the display housing with respect to the keyboard housing and that positions the keyboard bezel in a second state with respect to the keyboard for a second orientation of the display housing with respect to the keyboard housing. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for providing physical feedback in a handheld electronic controller. In general, the devices, systems, and methods can allow a handheld controller in an electronic system to provide a shock force or impact force to a user of the controller. In one exemplary embodiment, the controller can be configured to provide the shock or impact force in correspondence with a virtual shock force or impact force in an entertainment system in communication with the controller being controlled by the user. The actual shock force or impact force can be directionally imparted to the controller such that the user feels the actual shock force or impact force in a same direction as the virtual shock force or impact force.

Abstract: A thin keyboard having multiple keys is disclosed. At least one of the keys includes a key magnet, and a holding magnet is mounted on a transverse slider. The key is located in a ready position by a magnetic attraction of the holding magnet to the key magnet. When the transverse slider is slid, a separating protrusion pushes a chamfer to widen the distance between the holding magnet and the key magnet. The distance between both magnets is also widened in a right and left direction, and when the magnetic attraction drops, the key is located by gravity in a release position.

Abstract: A supplementary cooling system is provided for cooling a computing system. An apparatus may comprise a computing system and a docking system. The computing system has a cooling area and a fan area which is partionable from the cooling area. The docking system has a fan and an airflow outlet which is operably connected to the fan.

Abstract: A computer system, a display system, a method of graphic illumination is provided to give a user an improved appearance, functionality, and aesthetics. A display system may comprise a housing, a light source, and a plurality of micro perforations. The housing may have an interior surface and an exterior surface. The light source may be located within the housing. The plurality of micro perforations may be disposed to extend from the interior surface to the exterior surface of the housing. The plurality of micro perforations may pass through the housing at different angles with respect to a plane of the exterior surface of the housing.

Abstract: Pointing devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve manipulation of a cursor or other user interface component based on inputs from a user. In one embodiment, an image sensor captures an image of the underside of a transparent contact surface and determines whether an object (e.g., a user's finger) is present in the image. Cursor movement information comprising direction and velocity components can be calculated from a single image by equating the size of a detected object with a desired velocity and by equating the position of the detected object relative to a fixed reference point with a desired direction. Thus, detection of user motion is not required, nor is comparison of successive image frames relative to a time reference. As a result, a device having few or no moving parts can be provided while at the same time permitting continuous cursor motion without repetitive swiping by a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for switching between a regular keyboard mode and a touchpad mode for a user to input data. The keyboard may comprise a key which has a touch surface and a sensor. The touch surface may be responsive to pressing by an object to select one of selections associated with the key. The sensor may be used to detect a location where the object is positioned on the touch surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for switching from a regular desktop screen to a password input screen for a user to input a password. An apparatus may comprise a first screen display as the password input screen, a second screen display as the regular desktop screen, and a switching system. The switching system may be configured to switch a screen item position between the first screen display and the second screen display. The switching system may receive a user selection of a sequence of screen items as a password input and may switch operation of the apparatus between the first screen display to the second screen display.

Abstract: A heat dissipation system within a housing of a computer is disclosed. The heat dissipation system includes a heat dissipating fan, a temperature sensor, a rotation speed setting portion, and a performance control portion. The rotation speed setting portion is configured to change a rotation speed of the heat dissipating fan in a stepwise manner based on a threshold temperature and a measurement temperature measured by the temperature sensor. The performance control portion is configured to temporarily reduce the processing capability of a processor within the computer in response to a determination that the measurement temperature has exceeded the threshold temperature during a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A supplementary cooling system is provided for cooling a computing system. An apparatus may comprise a computing system and a docking system. The computing system has a cooling area and a fan area which is partionable from the cooling area. The docking system has a fan and an airflow outlet which is operably connected to the fan.

Abstract: A heat dissipation system within a housing of a computer is disclosed. The heat dissipation system includes a heat dissipating fan, a temperature sensor, a rotation speed setting portion, and a performance control portion. The rotation speed setting portion is configured to change a rotation speed of the heat dissipating fan in a stepwise manner based on a threshold temperature and a measurement temperature measured by the temperature sensor. The performance control portion is configured to temporarily reduce the processing capability of a processor within the computer in response to a determination that the measurement temperature has exceeded the threshold temperature during a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable computer in which an increase in temperature of a housing is suppressed. In the present invention, a guide plate is provided to suppress an increase in temperature of a bottom surface. When a cooling fan device operates, outside air taken in from inlet openings flows as an air current through a narrow flow path formed between the guide plate and the bottom surface. A flow velocity of the air current can be increased by narrowing the flow path, and heat exchange with the guide plate can be effectively performed, thereby sufficiently cooling a cooling surface. The cooled guide plate cools an air layer between the guide plate and the heat sink and thermally insulates between the air layer and the bottom surface.

Abstract: A portable information terminal includes a housing reinforced to maintain its strength while the while the portable information terminal is reduced in weight and thickness.